The Blues currently sit in third place, but just two points behind the top two clubs in the league. They have also won seven matches in a row counting all competitions.

One more victory could have the club either jump positions in the table or at least keep the pressure on Manchester City ahead of their matchup next week.

Meanwhile, West Ham currently sit in the relegation zone in a three-way tie with Sunderland and Cardiff City. Still, they are aware that two wins could put them as high as 10th in the standings with the table being so close at the bottom.

They are certain to provide a tough battle for the home team, which will create an exciting 90 minutes of action.

Manager Jose Mourinho made some interesting statements this week about his team's ability to compete.

After pouring a glass of Champagne at a press conference for his birthday, he was asked about whether he will be celebrating at the end of the year with a league title. According to Ben Rumsby of The Telegraph, Mourinho responded:

I think you have to drink Champagne because we are improving. We are improving a lot, the team, the players. So the perspective of Champagne in the future is good. We are going in a good direction.

But this season? I don't think so.

Our main objective this season is to build a team. The best way to build a team is to be competing for things...I think, next season, we’re going to have a very strong team, starting from day one with everybody.

Considering the squad is only two points out of first place, this is quite surprising. It will be especially interesting to see how the players respond to these comments, because you can assume that everyone in the locker room thinks they can win a title.

A strong performance in this match can send a message to the rest of the league that they are ones to be feared, regardless of what the manager says. This is especially true with Manchester City looming in the next contest.

Prediction: Chelsea 2, West Ham United 0

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Few clubs have been as consistent at home as Chelsea this season. In 11 league matches at Stamford Bridge, the squad has 10 wins and a draw.

According to WhoScored.com, they provide offense every single time out:

Samuel Eto'o has been especially solid at home and is coming off a hat-trick against Manchester United in his most recent EPL match. With Eden Hazard and Oscar also playing well as of late, there is little doubt they should be able to get onto the scoresheet at least a couple of times in this contest.

On the other hand, West Ham have few players who can create opportunities for themselves. Chelsea's back line does not make too many mistakes, so the attack will have a hard time scoring.

This will lead to an easy win at Stamford Bridge for Chelsea.

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